"Do not genuflect before the National Rifle Association," Quinn said Monday in a message to lawmakers. "They do not understand public safety in the land of Lincoln, and we're going to fight hard for public safety."

Quinn said at the time he thinks the people of Illinois will stand with him and support his version of the concealed carry bill becoming law. At least one lawmaker, though, said there are enough votes to override the governor's veto because not passing a concealed carry bill would be dire.

"For the life of me I can't believe that the governor would want to put Illinois into public safety risk to go over the cliff," Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) said.

It's not the only special session that's been called to talk about guns. Mayor Rahm Emanuel called a special session of the Chicago City Council next week. Emanuel wants to strengthen the city's assault weapons ban and impose harsher punishments for gun crimes committed near schools.